Evaluate the view that media representations of masculinity are changing.
OCR
A Level
2020
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Introduction
This essay will evaluate the view that media representations of masculinity are changing. It will explore traditional views of masculinity and how these have been challenged by new representations, including the "new man" and the "metrosexual". It will also discuss the limitations of these changes, such as the continued representation of men as possessing strength, violence and aggression in some media forms.
Traditional Representations of Masculinity
Traditional masculinity is often characterized by traits such as strength, aggression, stoicism, and dominance. These characteristics have been reinforced by a range of media products, including films, television shows, and advertising.
For example, action films often depict men as physically powerful and capable of violence. This can reinforce the idea that men should be tough and aggressive. Similarly, advertising often portrays men as strong, successful, and in control. This can perpetuate the idea that men should be dominant and in control of their lives.
The Changing Landscape: New Representations of Masculinity
In recent decades, media representations of masculinity have begun to evolve. The "new man" is often portrayed as sensitive, nurturing, and emotionally open. This new type of masculinity challenges traditional notions of men as stoic and emotionless. The rise of the "metrosexual" also reflects a shift in masculinity, with men increasingly embracing fashion, grooming, and other traditionally feminine pursuits.
Examples of this include the increased popularity of men's fashion magazines and television shows that focus on male grooming and style. These developments suggest that there is a growing acceptance of more diverse and nuanced representations of masculinity.
The Limits of Change: Persistent Traditional Representations
Despite the emergence of new representations of masculinity, traditional views still persist in some media forms.
For example, action films and video games continue to depict men as possessing strength, violence, and aggression. This suggests that while media representations of masculinity are changing, they are not necessarily moving away from traditional norms entirely.
The resurgence of "hyper-masculinity" in media forms such as "lads mags" is another example of this trend. This form of masculinity often emphasizes physical strength, sexual conquest, and a rejection of emotional vulnerability.
Evaluation
The view that media representations of masculinity are changing is largely accurate. However, it is important to note that these changes are not always consistent or uniform. While some media products embrace new representations of masculinity, others continue to perpetuate traditional norms. This suggests that masculinity is a complex and fluid concept, and that media representations of it are likely to continue to evolve in the years to come.
Furthermore, it is crucial to consider the broader social context in which these representations occur. While some media products may portray more progressive views of masculinity, this does not necessarily translate to a wider societal shift.
Conclusion
In conclusion, media representations of masculinity have undergone changes, with the emergence of new types of masculinity challenging traditional norms. However, traditional representations still persist in some media forms, suggesting that the evolution of masculinity in media is a complex and ongoing process. It is important to continue to critically analyze and evaluate media representations of masculinity in order to promote a more diverse and inclusive understanding of what it means to be a man in the contemporary world.
Evaluate the view that media representations of masculinity are changing.
The traditional image of masculinity, often characterized by stoicism, strength, and dominance, has long been entrenched in media portrayals. However, there is a growing debate surrounding the extent to which these representations are evolving to reflect changing societal norms and expectations. This essay will evaluate the view that media representations of masculinity are indeed changing, considering both the evidence supporting this perspective and the arguments suggesting that traditional portrayals persist.
Evidence of Change:
One compelling argument for the evolution of masculinity in media lies in the emergence of "new man" archetypes. This representation, popularized in the late 20th century, often depicts men as more emotionally expressive, sensitive, and involved in domestic spheres. For example, television shows like "Modern Family" feature male characters who are active and engaged fathers, challenging traditional notions of masculinity. This shift suggests a move towards acknowledging and valuing different facets of the male experience.
Furthermore, there is an increasing presence of metrosexual characters in media, exemplified by figures like David Beckham. These individuals embrace fashion, grooming, and aspects of lifestyle traditionally associated with femininity, blurring the lines of traditional gender roles. As argued by Connell, this blurring can be seen as a positive step towards destabilizing rigid gender binaries.
Gauntlett's research further supports this notion of change, suggesting that gender roles across a range of media platforms are becoming increasingly non-stereotypical. This is evident in the rise of female action heroes and male characters who exhibit vulnerability and emotional depth. This diversification indicates a move away from simplistic, one-dimensional portrayals of gender.
Postmodernist perspectives argue that the media landscape is characterized by diversity and fluidity, contributing to a wider range of masculine representations. This is fueled by the rise of digital platforms and the decline of traditional media gatekeepers, allowing for more diverse voices and perspectives to emerge.
Persistence of Traditional Representations:
Despite these shifts, it is crucial to acknowledge the persistence of traditional masculine tropes in media. Easthorpe's work highlights the continued portrayal of men as physically strong, aggressive, and often violent, particularly in action films and video games. This reinforces the association of masculinity with power, dominance, and physical prowess.
Whannel points to a resurgence of "hyper-masculinity" or "retributive masculinity," particularly evident in "lads' mags" and certain reality TV shows. These platforms often celebrate traditionally masculine traits, such as risk-taking, sexual conquest, and a disdain for emotional expression. This suggests that traditional views of masculinity remain deeply embedded in some areas of media culture.
Even within seemingly progressive narratives, Gauntlett acknowledges that leading roles in dramas and films are still predominantly filled by men. While this may be changing slowly, it points to the enduring power structures within the media industry that continue to favor male perspectives and experiences.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, while there is evidence to suggest that media representations of masculinity are becoming more diverse and nuanced, it is an ongoing process with both progressive strides and persistent limitations. The emergence of "new man" archetypes, metrosexual characters, and the increasing fluidity of gender roles across various media platforms all point toward a shift in societal understandings of masculinity. However, the enduring presence of hyper-masculine imagery, the overrepresentation of men in positions of power, and the continued association of masculinity with physical prowess suggest that traditional notions remain influential. Therefore, it is most accurate to view the media landscape as a site of ongoing negotiation and contestation, where traditional representations of masculinity are being challenged but not entirely overthrown.
Free Mark Scheme Extracts
Exaggeration for an Effect
• Poverty porn (Price)
Representations of the Working Class
• Nostalgic views of working class e.g. Dodd and Dodd
• Realistic views of the working class e.g. Dodd and Dodd
• Unflattering / pitying e.g. Newman
• Happy and deserving working class e.g. Devereux
• Neo Marxist views e.g. Glasgow Media Group and portrayals of working class industrial action as negative
Media Representations of Masculinity
Candidates are expected to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the viewpoint that media representations of masculinity are changing. This will involve an understanding of what traditional masculinity is. Also candidates may show awareness that representations may vary across media products, for example satellite as opposed to mainstream channels. It is expected that candidates will refer to empirical research and/or contemporary examples.
New Types of Masculinity
• Portrayals of new types of masculinity – e.g. new man, metrosexual Connell, Mort, Currie
• Gauntlett - gender roles across a range of media are becoming increasingly non-stereotyped.
Postmodernism and Pluralism
• Postmodernism – diversity and fluidity of media messages
• Pluralism - media represents the contemporary world.
Evaluation
• The continued representation of men as possessing strength, violence and aggression - in video games and Hollywood films (Easthorpe)
• A resurgence in hyper-masculinity (retributive masculinity) E.g. "lads mags”. – Gary Whannel
• Gauntlett - leading roles in dramas still played by men.